ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1787, 27 June 1913, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TJIE BUTTERFLIES. Tho Opera Houso was well filled last evening when the Butterflies presented their entertaining programme. Mr. F. Dunnate, the pianist, was vigorously encored when ho played Liszt's "Rhapsodic lloiigruise," and many people look upon his playing as tho most, attractive part of the programme. Miss Armitagc's comic songs appealed tu a largo section of tho audience, and both Miss Gold and Miss Smart iwere well received. The male portion of the troupe, with the exception of Mr. Dennett, appear to best advantage in their burlesque items, which are really funny. THEATRE IIOYAL. Tho Mangeans, an American troupe of exceedingly clever gymnasts, contribute the feature item at the Theatre Royal this week. Carno' ».iid Francis, two Conlinental nthleles, uro also nioro than usually good and some of their turns aro exceptionally so. Mo»is. Herbert, also from America, provides an entertaining musical turn, while tho Crimson Ramblers are not backward in doing their full sharo in helping to mako tho programme a first-class one.

HIS- MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Tho pictorial representation of Victor Hugo's great novel, "Les Misorables," which is at present being screened at His Majesty's Theatre, is attracting worthy patronage. Owing to tho remarkable length of this picture, tho management aro unable to screen tho whole of it—some 12,000 feet—in ono evening, so tho concluding portion will be tho featuro of tho programmo for next woek. Last ovoning a very fino Max Lindcr comedy, entitled. "I Fear No Foe," was introduced, and was received with marked approval. THE NEW DANDIES. One of the best items on tho programme at present being played in the Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall by tho New Dandies is that contributed by Mr. Atliol Tier,' whose dancing is admirable and grotesque. Mr. Waltham's fino bass voice and the scintillating wit of Mr. Edwards form contrasting but popular items. Tho Misses Fitzgerald ijro two talented artistes who Tievcr miss an opportunity to -amuse their audicnct,. Having an extensive repertoire the programme is seldom if ever tho same, aiul if variety be the soul of entertainment, then tho Dandies can entertain.

TIIE KING'S THEATRE. "The Heart of a Pierrot," featuring Miss Asta Neilseit, is the principal picture of tho current programmo at the King's Theatre. The story is charged with dramatic power and pathos, and is intensely interesting. The programme includes a character study of a famous man, "Beau Brummel," by, the wellknown Vitagraph Co. The present series will bo screened this evening. THE EMPRESS THEATRE. "If Wo Only Knew," an A;B. drama, is the best item on the new programmo screened for the first time at the Empress Theatre yesterday. It is a simplo talo of a child and its parents. Tho child is lost and the parents who, till then, had not been over-fond of her, suddenly discover how great their love is. They think that she' has been drowned and tho mother becomes half insane with grief and dearly repents, the harsh words which she has used to tho child. All ends well, however, as tho child is restored somo few days afterwards by a fisherman. "Polly and tho Jewel Thieves" is tho story of a girl scout who is instrumental in bringing about tho arrest of some thieves. Jolin Bunny is seen to great advantage in the Vitagraph's latest comedy "Suspicious Henry." There is also an excellent Edison comedy which tells of how an adventursomo young man wins the hand of his employer's daughter. It is very well acted and is genuinely laughable. This programmo wilj. be screened again to-day. SHORTTS' THEATRE. "An Engine of Destruction" is the latest sensational picture drama at Shortts' Picture Theatre. The story is of a patent gun invented by a young engineer. Some rivals try to carry , off the gun and the plans, and they aro about, to do s» when they find tho Run is timed to go off, in five minutes. By the arrival of the inventor they are saved and tho gun also. "The Cow-punching Flapper" is the best of tho comic items and is really quite good. CONCERT AT THE HUTT. Tho annual concert given in aid of the Lower Hutt Bowling and Tennis Club is always an event of local importance. A capital programme is invariably provided, and that offered last evening was more than equal to its predecessors, thanks to tho eucrgy of Mr. E. J. Hill, who took it? arrangement in hand. Tho first part consisted of a concert programme of unusual cxcellenco and diversity. It opened with a malo chorus from "Tho Gondoliers," with the solo sung by Mr. A. W. Newton. Mr. H. N. Fletcher sang that tuneful song "Tho Ringers," and was encored. Madame Edith Brainsby, the fortunate possessor of a very beautiful mellow contralto voico of serviceable range, mado a distinct impression in Hatton's fino ballad "Tho Enchantress," and, encored, sang "Caller Herrin'" impressively. Tho tuneful songstress was also heard to advantage in two of Amy Woodford Finden's Indian Love Lyrics. "Till I Wake" and "Allah Be With Us." Mr. Hamilton Hodges contributed three prcttv songs by Lohr, and, as an encore, Tosti's "Venetian Boat Song." Tho Orphans Quartet, whose singing is always welcome, sang "Kathleen Mavourneen," and "Tho Sailor's Song" (from tho Welsh). Ono of tho most acceptable items was tho famous Hubert and Arthur | sceno from "King John" (Shakespeare), excellently carried through by Mr. J. M. Clark and clever littlo Zita Chapman. Tho second part of tho programme consisted of Gilbert and Sullivan's "dramatic cantata" "Trial by Jury," which evoked screams of laughter. The cast was a strong one. Miss Ncllio Driscoll sang charmingly as Angelina, Mr. E. J. Hill made a vcrv spry defendant, and Mr. Alec Newton a very lively old Judge. Other parts were assumed as follow:— Counsel, Mr. H. Plimmer; Usher, Mr. R. S. Allwright; and foreman of jury, Dr. Isaacs. Mr. D. A. Kenny made an'efficient musical director.

HAMILTON-PLIMMER SEASON. Arrangements for the Hnmilton-Plim-mer season, which commences at tho Opera Houso on Thursday next, are well in hand. Tho management stato that tho season promises to be as big a success as that which attended the efforts of this combination on tho occasion of its last visit to Wellington. "All artistic dramatic treat" was the verdict of many local play-goers then. The plays to bo staged hero are good ones. "A Woman of Impulse," declared recently the "dramatic success of the year," will open tho season. In presenting tins play as the opening production, the management feel confident of its drawing and holding power. "Dr. Wake's Patient will bo staged on Monday, July 7, and tho following nights. The box plan for theso two productions will open at the Dresden on Monday morning at 9 o clock. Dav sales at Christeson's.